Honey is a natural product that is formed by bees from the nectar of flowers. It has been treasured around the world for centuries for both its nutritional value but also for its remarkable health benefits.
Human use of honey dates back to ancient times.Stone Age paintings from 8,000 years ago have been found to depict the use of honey. Ancient scripture, including the Bible, Koran, Veda(Hindu scripture) and also writings from Hippocrates all document honey being used medicinally.
Given its low water content, honey never spoils. One of our favourite facts about honey is that 3,000 year old pots found in Egyptian tombs by archaeologistsare effectively still edible today!
Our native honeys are particularly potent due to containing active constituents from our amazing native plants(such as mānuka and kānuka). Originally, mānuka honey was not the gold standard it is today - it was apparently too strong in flavour. People actually preferred clover.
Mānuka honey only became popular in the 1980s after a biochemist called Dr Peter Molan, who was studying mānuka honey, published about its high antibacterial activity.
1. Honey is naturally antibacterial
No doubt you already know this fact about honey, but honey has antibacterial properties that can help prevent and treat infections. New Zealand’s mānuka honey, in particular, contains a compound called methylglyoxal(MGO), which is proven to inhibit bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Mānuka honey is often recommended for skin irritations such as a minor cuts or scrapes. You could try and spread a thin layer over upset skin to help promote healing.
2. Soothes a sore throat
Your nana was right - honey is nature’s cough syrup. I am sure we are all familiar with a lemon and honey drink! Research shows that honey can be as effective as some over-the-counter medications for helping to soothe sore throats and reduce coughing in children over one year old.
This is particularly helpful as over-the-counter cough syrups cannot be given to young children. You could try stirring in a teaspoon of honey into warm lemon water for symptomatic relief.
Honey contains prebiotics, which help to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Clover honey, which is a staple in many Kiwi households, is a gentle way to support digestion.
You can easily drizzle it over Greek yogurt, cereal, or porridge or put it in your morning smoothie or tea for a tasty, gut-friendly boost.
4. Natural energy source
Honey is full of natural sugars that provide a quick energy boost. It is perfect for busy mornings or as a workout snack. Add a teaspoon to warm milk, blend it into a post-exercise recovery drink or use it as a dip with fruit or vegetable sticks. It's important to remember, however, that honey itself is another form of sugar, and it should be consumed in moderation.
As you probably know, mānuka honey is especially effective for acne due to its antibacterial properties. One of the lesser-known facts about honey, however, is that it's a natural humectant (drawing moisture into the skin), which can help skin repair more efficiently. Applying a thin layer to your skin and leaving it for 15 minutes can help achieve glowing, hydrated skin.
Darker varieties of honey, such as rewarewa honey, are packed with antioxidants that can help to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. You could replace refined sugar with honey in your drinks to help derive the benefits from this unique honey.
7. Supports wound healing
Mānuka honey is used in medical-grade dressings worldwide for treating burns and wounds. Its unique properties can help to accelerate healing and reduce scarring. For minor wounds, apply mānuka honey, cover with a bandage, and change daily.
8. Helps with seasonal allergies
Consuming local honey might help reduce hay fever symptoms. The theory is that trace amounts of pollen found in local honey can help to build tolerance to the local pollen over time. You could start by adding a teaspoon of raw, unprocessed local honey to your day for a potential natural allergy remedy.
Another lesser-known fact about honey is that it can be used to help regulate your blood sugars and can even encourage melatonin production – the sleep supporting hormone. It does this by causing your insulin levels to spike, triggering tryptophan release which is then converted to serotonin and then finally melatonin – hopefully helping with a restful sleep. You could add a teaspoon of honey into your herbal tea or tonics before bed for a calming bedtime ritual.
Honey’s hydrating properties can help to revive dry, dull hair. You could try this by mixing two tablespoons of honey with coconut oil for a DIY hair mask. You can then apply it to damp hair, leaving it on for 20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly for soft, shiny locks.
Easy ways to use honey in everyday life
Drizzle honey over porridge, toast, or fruit. Use it as a natural sweetener in salad dressings, marinades or in smoothies. Add to feta or ricotta cheese and top with chilli flakes.
Stir it into herbal teas, iced lemon water, or even your morning coffee.
Use as a spot treatment for blemishes or try mixing it with oatmeal for a gentle exfoliating scrub.
Switchel – Our delicious antioxidant-rich Elderberry Switchel not only contains elderberries but also Dunedin honey. It is delicious hot or added to sparkling water as a lovely refreshing summer drink.
A note of caution
While honey is very versatile and amazing - it is not recommended for babies under one year due to the risk of botulism.
If possible, try and choose raw, unprocessed honey to maximise its benefits, and look for New Zealand mānuka or clover varieties to help support our local honey economy.
